Computerized law enforcement functions, expansion of hardware technology through the use of portable computers, and exponential advances in software technology through artificial intelligence are among the trends discussed. Other trends include law enforcement's inundation with information, and the 'Big Brother' syndrome, i.e., the public fear of privacy invasion. The study analyzed events such as a civil judgment against a law enforcement agency for misuse of automated information, and arrest of a computer hacker for accessing and pirating various data base files from a police agency. Also analyzed was a mandate that computer training be conducted in all California police academies, legislation making funds available to computerize all California law enforcement agencies, and a discount to the municipal government for portable computers with voice recognition/activation capability. 16 end notes, 59 references, tabular data, and appendixes.